Review of Live Free or Die Hard (2007) by Christopher H — 14 Feb 2013

As the "Die Hard" franchise enters the 21st century, one thing has to be said: this film is gorgeous. With impeccable graphics and a sheer, sexy quality to the film, "Live Free or Die Hard" is the best looking "Die Hard" yet.

Following a similar plot to that of the 007 film "Die Another Day" where the villain is standing in a control room calling the shots instead of fighting, this fourth "Die Hard" film is all punch and no plot.

Bruce Willis continues his sordid love affair with the role of John McClane, this time introducing the character of his daughter, played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead. The biggest element I like about the continued plot of "Die Hard" is that we never delve into rich back story, but instead experience these small slivers of a man's life whenever disaster tends to strike.

We witness this man at different stages of his life, all without needing to know what led to each decision and how he's changed (because honestly he really hasn't). When we meet McClane in this film, he is picking up a known hacker (Justin Long) in order to bring him to Washington amidst the threat from ultra-hacker Thomas Gabriel, played effectively by Timothy Olyphant.

"Live Free or Die Hard" hits most of the same marks as the previous installments, providing much more bang for your buck, and delivers an entertaining although somewhat vapid action film, replacing interesting dialogue (constantly repeating the term "fire sale") with explosions and chase scenes or a mixture of the two (with the highlight being a car that is driven into the helicopter).

Everyone delivers at an above average presence and begs the question whether John McClane can gain a foothold in this new era of action films and if so, where he'll be at the next glimpse into his life.